Method of Delivering Goods and Services Via Media

ABSTRACT

A method for distributing a prescription pharmaceutical product includes recording a unique identifier in a database that identifies a medium and a prescription pharmaceutical product associated with the medium. The database is provisioned with criteria that establish different potential values for the medium. Thus, the medium has a variable value that varies according to the criteria provisioned in the database. A holder of the medium then presents the medium to a provider of the prescription pharmaceutical product. Upon receipt the medium, the provider communicates the unique identifier associated with the medium. Based on the unique identifier of the medium and the variable value criteria provisioned in the database, the value of the medium is determined and communicated to the provider. The holder then utilizes the determined value to purchase the prescription pharmaceutical product associated with the medium.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/084,188 filed Apr. 11, 2011, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/098,700 filed Mar. 15, 2002, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/558,260filed Apr. 25, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,859,780, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/137,095,filed 20 Aug. 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,055,507, which is a divisionalapplication of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/556,466, filed 13Nov. 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,832,449. Each of these disclosures isexpressly incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the distribution ofpharmaceutical products and more particularly to an improved method ofdispensing, tracking, and managing pharmaceutical products bycommunicatively linking prescribers and pharmacies to a centralcomputing station in such a manner that variable values may be providedto different individuals based on selected variables such as locationand/or volume purchased.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the pharmaceutical industry, the primary method for product promotionof ethical products is the use of outside sales representatives. Companysales representatives target specific physicians and detail the featuresand benefits of particular pharmaceutical products. Pharmaceuticalmanufacturers have documented that the most effective method of productpromotion involves providing pharmaceutical product samples toprescribers of the products who then pass along the product samples topatients. Physicians therefore receive numerous quantities ofpharmaceutical product samples for purposes of conducting patienttrials. These trials enable physicians to determine the effectiveness ofcertain drugs in certain patients for certain diseases, as well as todetermine patients' tolerance of the drugs and their compliance withdrug administration directions.

A responsibility of the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is theregulation of pharmaceutical product samples. The PDMA (PharmaceuticalDrug Manufacturing Act) Act of 1987 requires pharmaceuticalmanufacturers to track and account for product samples distributed bysales representatives to prescribing physicians. Pharmaceuticalmanufacturers are required to account for all sample productinventories, as well as the time, location, and specific physicians whoreceive promotional samples. Pharmaceutical sales representatives arerequired to record receipts of product samples, adjustments to sampleinventories, and distribution of product samples, and to report any lossor theft of product samples. Additionally, PDMA warehousing requirementsdictate inventory storage methods and locations both withinpharmaceutical companies themselves and for outside pharmaceutical salesrepresentatives.

However, it is often the case that accountability for pharmaceuticalproduct samples ends when the samples reach the physicians. Mostphysicians do little to account for their inventories of productsamples. Rather, physicians tend to distribute pharmaceutical productsamples to patients much more informally than retail pharmacies, keepingfew if any records and often not even counting the precise number ofproduct samples given to patients.

The PDMA's accountability requirements increase pharmaceuticalmanufacturers' expenses for promoting and distributing product samplesas well as the complexity of administering sampling programs. Ascompetition within the pharmaceutical industry increases, costsassociated with product samples place an increasingly greater burden onthe pharmaceutical manufacturers. Pharmaceutical manufacturers aretherefore attempting to reduce expenses and maintain acceptable profitswhile incorporating the PDMA's new requirements into establishedpromotional practices.

Although product samples are an extremely effective promotional tool,the manufacturing of drug product samples in addition to normallypackaged drug products has proven to be increasingly costly.Pharmaceutical product samples are typically elaborately and expensivelypackaged and are extremely bulky compared to normally packaged drugproducts. Pharmaceutical manufacturers utilize separate product samplepackaging lines to package drug product samples. Distribution of productsamples requires delivery via separate carriers and distribution routes.In addition, drug product samples are typically warehoused separatelyfrom normally packaged drug products.

Because the current climate in the pharmaceutical industry prohibits theunrestrained shifting of costs to final consumers, pharmaceuticalmanufacturers have taken several new approaches to reducing costsassociated with promoting product samples. Nevertheless, pharmaceuticalmanufacturers are attempting to maintain the marketing advantages ofusing sales representatives to distribute product samples.

One cost-reducing approach that pharmaceutical manufacturers haveattempted is the distribution of sample vouchers to prescribingphysicians, retail pharmacies, and pharmaceutical sales representatives.With this approach, instead of giving drug product samples directly topatients, physicians give the patients vouchers for the drug productsamples. The vouchers may then be redeemed at retail pharmacies for theactual drugs. Alternately, the patients may receive cash or creditrebates at the pharmacies.

Another cost-reducing approach that pharmaceutical manufacturers haveattempted is the distribution of product samples via mail order. Withthis approach, pharmaceutical sales representatives provide prescribingphysicians with request authorization forms. Physicians then use theforms to authorize deliveries of product samples directly to thephysician's office from third-party pharmaceutical supply warehouses.

These approaches to distributing pharmaceutical product samples have notmet with substantial and universal acceptance. All of these approacheslack an effective, efficient and practical system for distributing thetrial or sample products to patients and at the same time recordingpertinent data, which is easily accessible, relating to prescribing anddispensing the pharmaceutical trial products.

Additionally, there are strict rules associated with the dispensing ofpharmaceuticals outside of the sample context. In particular,prescriptions are closely monitored by the appropriate governmentagencies. To help combat prescription fraud, new systems must bedeveloped that allow prescription drugs to be tracked such thatappropriate reporting may be performed about the dispensation ofprescription drugs outside the sample context. Thus, there remains aneed for alternative prescription routines that address these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention entails a method of promoting and distributing aprescription pharmaceutical product with a variable value medium. Themethod includes identifying the variable value medium with an identifierand recording the identifier in a database such that the identifier isassociated with the pharmaceutical product. Initially, the mediumassumes an inactive state wherein the medium is not usable in connectionwith the purchase of the prescription pharmaceutical product. Prior tothe medium being redeemable for the prescription pharmaceutical product,the medium is activated. A value is assigned to the medium and isrecorded in the database. Thereafter, the medium can be presented to aprovider of the prescription pharmaceutical product. Upon receipt themedium, the provider requests authorization to deliver the prescriptionpharmaceutical product to the holder of the medium. Once the request todeliver the prescription pharmaceutical product is received,authorization is sent to the provider of the prescription pharmaceuticalproduct to deliver the prescription pharmaceutical product. Further, theprovider is given the assigned value for the medium and applies thatvalue to the purchase price of the prescription pharmaceutical product.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the database isprogrammed or provisioned with criteria that establish differentpotential values for the variable value medium. That is, the value ofthe media can vary depending upon certain circumstances, conditions orcriteria. For example, in various embodiments the value of a medium is afunction of location, the identity of the provider of the pharmaceuticalprescription product, or the identity of the holder of the medium. Afterthe value of the medium is determined, the holder of the medium utilizesthe determined value to purchase the prescription pharmaceutical productassociated with the medium.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of the system of the presentinvention for managing the distribution of pharmaceutical trialproducts.

FIG. 2A is a front side view of the pharmaceutical trial product mediathat forms a part of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a back side view of the pharmaceutical trial media.

FIG. 3A is a front side view of the authorization media that forms apart of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a back side view of the authorization media.

FIGS. 4A-4B depicts a flow chart that shows the basic steps entailed indistributing, tracking and managing pharmaceutical trial productdistributed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart that depicts the basic steps entailed in terminalinitialization, whether it be at the prescriber or pharmacy level.

FIGS. 6A-6D depicts a flow chart that shows the basic steps involved inthe prescribers activating pharmaceutical trial media.

FIGS. 7A-7E depicts a flow chart that shows the basic steps involved invalidating activated product trial media and dispensing pharmaceuticaltrial products in response to the validation of product trial media.

FIG. 8 illustrates a first flow chart showing an overview of analternate embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 9-13 illustrate exemplary alternate embodiments of the process ofthe variable valued media of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating media used in the exchange forgoods or services and how the media moves between active and inactivestates.

FIGS. 15A-15C depict a flow chart showing how the media can assumevariable values.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart similar to that shown in FIG. 14 butillustrating how the media can be reactivated after assuming active andinactive states.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With further reference to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, thesystem utilized for carrying out the present invention is shown thereinand indicated generally by the numeral 10. System 10 includes a centralcomputing station 12 that has associated therewith a database forstoring data and information communicated to the central computingstation 12 during various steps or phases of the pharmaceutical trialproduct distribution process. As will be appreciated from subsequentportions of this disclosure, the present invention contemplates theutilization of participating medical doctors or prescribers andpharmacies to effectuate the distribution of pharmaceutical trialproducts. To communicate with the central computing station 12, eachparticipating prescriber and pharmacy is provided with a terminalcommunicatively linked with the central computing station 12. Therefore,it is appreciated that the system 10 of the present invention willinclude prescriber terminals 14 located at various participatingprescriber sites and pharmacy terminals 16 located at variousparticipating pharmacy sites. Both the prescriber terminals 14 and thepharmacy terminals 16 are capable of communicatively linking encodedmedia with the central computing station 12 where the encodedinformation associated with the media can be recorded in the associateddatabase. Various types of communication terminals can be utilized atprescriber and pharmacy sites. However, as will be appreciated fromsubsequent portions of this disclosure, one such type of terminal is aconventional magnetic card reader that is adapted to accept magneticcards and to read or interpret encoded information provided thereon andto communicate with the central computing station 12.

System 10 further includes what is referred to as a pharmaceuticalproduct trial media that in FIG. 1 is indicated by the numeral 18. Aswill be appreciated from subsequent portions of the disclosure, theproduct trial media 18 identifies and is associated with a particularpharmaceutical trial product and is transferred and passed betweenparticipating prescribers, patients and pharmacies. The product trialmedia 18 is particularly encoded with pertinent information thatidentifies a particular pharmaceutical trial product and is designed tobe compatible with the prescriber and pharmacy terminals 14 and 16. Inparticular, prescriber and pharmacy terminals 14 and 16 are capable ofreading the product trial media 18 and communicating encoded informationassociated therewith to the central computing station 12 for processingand recordation.

Although the type and quantity of encoded information on the producttrial media 18 can vary, it is contemplated that each individual producttrial media 18 would be encoded with at least the following information:

a) media identification number;

b) product identification number;

c) product name;

d) product form;

e) product size;

f) product quantity;

g) media type;

h) a series of manufacturer I.D. numbers;

i) a date range.

In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, each individual producttrial media 18 will have printed or embossed thereon certain identifyinginformation such as:

a) pharmaceutical manufacturer's name;

b) product name (trade name, generic name);

c) product form;

d) product size;

e) product quantity;

f) media identification number;

g) prescriber, patient and pharmacy signature areas;

h) prescriber and pharmacy approval code areas.

The product trial media 18 can assume various tangible forms. However,in the example illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B and discussed herein, theproduct trial media 18 is in the form of a conventional magnetic cardwhich again is designed to be compatible with a READ-ONLY magneticreader terminal located at prescriber and pharmacy sites.

It should be appreciated that the product trial media 18 can be usedwith approved pharmaceuticals that are past the trial stage. Little ifany change need be made to the above listed identifying information.However, it may be desirable to include a field that lists the number ofrefills or remaining validations, if any, that are available to thepatient. This field may be decremented each time the prescription isfilled. Further, the product media may include fields which designateone of a plurality of participating pharmaceutical products, a quantityand dosage field as needed, or other comparable information thattraditionally is located on a prescription sheet. While it iscontemplated that one product media could be used for a plurality ofpharmaceuticals, it is also contemplated that each pharmaceutical couldhave its own product media. This may result in excess inventory for theprescriber, but is a viable embodiment of the present invention.

Finally, the system 10 of the present invention includes authorizingmedia indicated by the numeral 20 that is distributed to participatingprescribers and pharmacies. As with the product trial media 18, theauthorizing media 20 can be in various tangible forms and in the exampleillustrated herein, the authorizing media assumes a READ-ONLY magneticcard form that is compatible with the prescriber and pharmacy terminals14 and 16. Each individual authorizing media specifically identifies aparticipating prescriber or pharmacy. In the case of prescriberauthorizing media, the same would be encoded with various identifyinginformation such as:

a) the prescriber's name,

b) prescriber's medical identification number,

c) prescriber's control I.D. number,

d) prescriber location identification.

In the case of pharmacy authorizing media, the same would includeencoded information specific to and identifying a particularparticipating pharmacy. The encoded information on such a pharmacyauthorizing media would include identifying information such as:

a) pharmacy name,

b) name of individual pharmacists associated with the identifiedpharmacy,

c) pharmacy control identification number, and

d) pharmacy location identifier.

Also, as illustrated in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the authorization media 20includes printed or embossed information thereon such as prescriber orpharmacy I.D. number, pharmacy or prescriber name, card expiration date,and space for the signature of a physician or pharmacist.

As will be discussed in more detail later, the authorizing media 20 iscompatible with the prescriber and pharmacy terminals 14 and 16 andconsequently, encoded identifying information associated with theindividual authorizing media 20 can be reviewed and verified by thecentral computing station 12 prior to the participating prescribers andpharmacies having access to the central computing station. Theauthorizing media 20 enables the system and the central computingstation 12 in particular to verify that prescribers and pharmaciesattempting to enter the system and network are in fact authorized to doso and are in fact authorized participants in the pharmaceutical trialproduct distribution program of the present invention.

The present invention entails a pharmaceutical trial productdistribution method or process where pharmaceutical trial products areactually prescribed by a participating medical doctor or prescriber andnot directly delivered to the patient by the prescriber as isconventional practice today. Additionally, normal pharmaceuticals pastthe trial stage may similarly be so prescribed. Once the pharmaceuticalproduct has been prescribed, the patient then proceeds to aparticipating pharmacy where the prescription for the trial, sample, ornormal pharmaceutical product is filled. Prescriber and pharmacytransactions are all monitored and recorded by the central computingstation 12. Periodically, the participating pharmacies are compensatedfor the trial product and normal products dispensed and the servicesperformed. Compensation would typically include replenishment ofdispensed trial or normal product through a wholesaler plus a dispensingfee, all of which is established by recorded transactions within thecentral database.

It is contemplated that the present system and method for distributingpharmaceutical products would be managed by an independent entityreferred to as a program manager and that a number of pharmaceuticalmanufacturers would join together in a consortium or the like toparticipate in the pharmaceutical trial product distribution program,all of which would be administered and managed by the program manager.However, it is to be appreciated that the present pharmaceutical trialproduct distribution system and method can be carried out in other formsincluding a program administered and managed totally by a singlepharmaceutical manufacturer. The same is true if the present inventionis used for products past the trial stage.

In developing and implementing the pharmaceutical trial productdistribution program or other pharmaceutical product program of thepresent invention, participating prescribers and pharmacies must beestablished. In this regard, it is contemplated that the program managerin cooperation with participating pharmaceutical manufacturers orsuppliers, sometimes referred to as pharmaceutical members, identifycertain prescribers and pharmacies that are authorized to participate inthe program. Thereafter, the program manager issues specific authorizingmedia 20 to each of the prescribers and pharmacies authorized toparticipate in the program. Note that each authorizing media 20 isspecifically encoded to identify a certain prescriber or pharmacy aswell as the physical location or locations of that prescriber orpharmacy. In addition to the authorization media 20, prescriberterminals 14 and pharmacy terminals 16 are also delivered to theparticipating prescribers and pharmacies.

The prescriber and pharmacy terminals 14 and 16 are transaction-basedcommunication units provided with both an EPROM chip and random accessmemory (RAM) for application operation. Each terminal is electricallypowered and adapted to communicate with the central computing station orhost 12 through a conventional telephone system. A user keypad havingboth function keys and a ten-number keypad are incorporated into eachterminal. Application, prompt, and approval instructions arecommunicated through an LED display that forms a part of each terminal.

The EPROM chip of each terminal is provided with a series of data fieldsthat are used in a terminal initialization procedure that is designed toverify that a respective terminal is properly located physically and isunder the control of an authorized and participating prescriber orpharmacy. In the way of example, the data fields of the EPROM chip couldinclude: terminal serial number, prescriber or pharmacy identification,location or locations (physical address) for the participatingprescriber or pharmacy assigned to that terminal, and location fax andtelephone number. In addition, the EPROM chip of each terminal wouldinclude a check digit/analog code matrix used in establishing theauthenticity of the terminal.

Now, turning to the RAM of the respective terminals, it is appreciatedthat the capacity of the RAM may vary but it is contemplated a storagecapacity of 32K bytes would be sufficient to handle downloadedapplication programming from the central computing station 12. Datafields for the RAM may include a series of server (central computerstation) phone numbers, a check digit/analog code index field, checkdigit/analog code multiplier-divisor, check digit/analog answerer, checkdigit/analog code formula, and system date and time.

The above discussion deals generally with the basic prescriber andpharmacy terminals 14 and 16 that are contemplated to be used incarrying out the pharmaceutical trial product distribution method andprogram of the present invention. Details of the construction andprogramming of the terminals are not dealt with herein because such isnot per se material to the present invention and further, because suchterminal designs are well appreciated by those skilled in the art andare in fact commercially available. While various types of terminals maybe employed by participating prescribers and pharmacies, it iscontemplated that a terminal design of a conventional magnetic cardreader would be efficient and cost effective for the presentpharmaceutical product distribution program.

Initially, various pharmaceutical members distribute individual producttrial media 18 to participating medical doctors or prescribers. Thisdistribution can be carried out by sales representatives of thepharmaceutical members. At the same time, the program manager(administrator of the pharmaceutical trial product distribution program)may distribute both terminals and authorizing media 20 to bothparticipating medical doctors and pharmacies. It is appreciated thatprior to the initiation of the program and in fact on an ongoing basis,the database associated with the central computing station 12 is loadedwith data corresponding to the distributed product trial media 18 andauthorization media 20 as well as data that identifies each individualterminal to be delivered to participating prescribers and pharmacies.Such is important in carrying out the various integrity checks that willform a part of the pharmaceutical trial product distribution program ofthe present invention. The same is likewise true of prescriptions forproducts that are outside of the trial stage since these too are subjectto strenuous regulatory reporting concerns.

Prior to entering the system and participating in the pharmaceuticaldistribution program, each participating prescriber and pharmacy mustproceed through a terminal initialization process. This terminalinitialization process, as illustrated in FIG. 5, is designed todiscover and identify unauthorized participants and to generally preventunauthorized use of the system.

To initialize a terminal, the prescriber or pharmacy connects theterminal to an AC power outlet and a conventional phone line. Once theterminal is placed in an “on” state, the prescriber or pharmacy pressesa “setup” function key. The terminal then automatically responds andrequests information pertinent to the data fields of the EPROM chip. Inthe way of examples, the terminal requests the user to input into theissued terminal the terminal serial number, practice name or pharmacyoperating from the location of the terminal, the physical address of thelocation of the terminal, location communication telephone number,location business telephone number and location fax number.

Next, and still as a part of the terminal initialization process, theterminal requests that the prescriber or pharmacy user enter its issuedauthorization media 20. In the case of a magnetic card media and reader,the prescriber or pharmacy simply swipes its authorization media card 20through a magnetic card reader and encoded data on the authorizationmedia card 20 is recorded in the RAM of the terminal.

Thereafter, the terminal automatically dials and connects to a terminalinitialization service that forms a part of the central computingstation 12. The initialization service then uploads all data from theterminal into the database of the central computing station 12 includingdata recorded on the EPROM chip and information previously encoded onthe authorization media 20 and now stored in the RAM of the terminal.

Based on independently entered reference data previously entered intothe database of the central computing station, the data uploaded fromthe terminal during this initialization process can be checked againstthe reference data already stored in the database of the centralcomputing station. At this point, the central computing station canverify whether a certain serial number terminal is properly coupled witha certain physical location and with a certain prescriber or pharmacy.If all relevant data uploaded from the terminal does not correspond tothe reference data then the initialization process is failed and accessto the system and program is denied.

In the specific initialization method being discussed herein, the abovedoes not complete the total initialization process. After passing theabove, the individual prescriber or pharmacy is requested to enter apersonal identification code, commonly referred to as a PIN. Thepersonal identification code is furnished confidentially to theparticipating prescribers and pharmacies through the program manager andcan be permanent or temporary. If temporary, the user will besubsequently requested to enter a personally devised code which becomesthe user's permanent identification or PIN code. In any event, after thecentral computing station has requested entry of the user's personalidentification code, the participating prescriber or pharmacy thenenters the personal identification code into the system database and thecentral computing station then verifies the personal identification codeand cross-checks the same with respect to uploaded terminal data, thatis, data found on the EPROM chip and the terminal's RAM. If the personalidentification code entered is determined to be an invalid personalidentification code for any reason, the prescriber or pharmacy is deniedaccess to the system. On the other hand, if the personal identificationcode is deemed to be valid then the central computing station indicateson the terminal's display “downloading application.” At this time, thesystem's application is then downloaded into the terminal's RAM storage.Thereafter, the terminal displays “download complete” and this completesthe terminal initialization process. The initialized terminal is thenready to be used on a periodic basis in the pharmaceutical trialdistribution program of the present invention. Note that this sameinitialization process is carried out for both participating prescribersand pharmacies.

The product trial media 18 or other pharmaceutical product mediadelivered to the participating prescribers arrive in an unactivatedstate. That is, the product media in an unactivated state cannot bevalidated by a participating pharmacy and accordingly, pharmaceuticalproduct identified by that media cannot be dispensed. In essence, thepharmaceutical product media are blank prescription forms and have notbeen filled in by the prescriber or “validated” according to the presentinvention. In the method of distributing pharmaceutical product of thepresent invention, the participating prescribers actually activate theproduct media through a procedure where the product media iscommunicatively linked with the central computing station or host 12 viaa prescriber's terminal. See FIGS. 6A-6D which show a flow chart thatdepicts the basic steps involved in the activation process. However,before any unactivated product media can be activated by a prescriber,the prescriber must establish authorization. This can be carried out ina variety ways. In one embodiment of the present invention, activationof product media 18 is conditioned first upon the prescriber evidencinga valid authorization media. This is accomplished by the prescriber'sterminal reading the prescriber's authorization media 20. Encodedinformation associated with the prescriber's authorization media 20 isrecorded within the RAM of the prescriber's terminal. In particular, theterminal records the prescriber's identification number associated withthe prescriber's authorization media 20. At that point, the terminalrequests the prescriber to enter the prescriber's personalidentification code. Next, the terminal requests the prescriber to enterthe quantity (number) of pharmaceutical media that the prescriberdesires to activate. Thereafter, the prescriber enters into the keyboardof the prescriber terminal the numeric quantity of product media 18 tobe activated by the system. The prescriber terminal then prompts theprescriber to communicatively link the product media to be activatedwith the prescriber's terminal. In cases where the product trial media18 assumes the form of magnetic cards for example, the prescriber simplyswipes the product trial cards to be activated through a cardreader-type terminal. One by one, the prescriber swipes the producttrial media to be authorized through the prescriber's terminal. This isalso true of other product media.

As each product trial media is read by the prescriber's terminal, anauthenticity check is made by the terminal. Specifically, theprescriber's terminal authenticates each product trial media read intothe terminal. While various forms of authentication can be performed, inthe present method, authenticity is established by the prescriber'sterminal checking the product trial media I.D. and verifying that avalid answer results from the various check digit/analog code fieldsstored in the terminal. If the product trial media is deemed authentic,then the prescriber's unit then displays “product trial media valid.” Ifthe prescriber terminal determines that the product trial media is notvalid, the terminal indicates such and the product trial media is notactivated.

Once the prescriber has completed the activation of a certain number ofproduct trial media the prescriber terminal dials a central computingstation 12. At this point, the prescriber terminal uploads storedinformation corresponding to the prescriber authorization media and theprescriber identification code to the central computing station 12. Thecentral computing station 12 validates the prescriber authorizationmedia and the personal identification code. Once this validation hasbeen established the central computing station uploads all of theproduct trial media information previously read into the prescriber'sterminal during the present activation procedure. It is at this timethat the central computing station 12 approves the “activation” of theentered product trial media and issues a specific approval code to theprescriber. The prescriber then records the prescriber approval codeonto the face of the respective individual product trial media justactivated. Once certain product trial media 18 has been activated, thecentral computing station 12 denotes in its associated database thatcertain product trial media 18 has been activated, the activation date,and the identity of the prescriber activating the product trial media.The prescriber then appropriately stores the activated product trialmedia 18.

The same procedure is likewise applicable to more traditionalprescriptions. In such a case, the prescriber receives a prescriptionmedia comparable to the product trial media 18 and activates itsubstantially identically to the technique described with reference tothe product trial media 18. Additionally, the prescriber may indicate anumber of refills to which the patient is entitled. Further, theprescriber may be required to enter the particular pharmaceutical thatis being prescribed, quantity, and other comparable information. If eachproduct media represents a different pharmaceutical, such may not berequired.

To dispense the pharmaceutical trial product represented by theactivated product trial media, or the prescription drug represented bythe prescription media the prescriber signs the product trial media oralternative media and delivers the same to a participating patient. Thepatient in turn presents the activated media to a participating pharmacyfor the purpose of filling the prescription of the prescriber.

Prior to actually filling the pharmaceutical prescription, theparticipating pharmacy, like the prescriber, must establishauthorization. First, like the prescriber, the pharmacy terminal issubjected to the initialization test discussed above. This basicallyestablishes that the issued terminal to the participating pharmacy is infact the correct terminal, is properly physically located, and isassociated with the assigned pharmacy. Again, this initializationprocedure, as discussed above, is not contemplated to be a dailyprocedure but is only a basic initialization step for the participantutilizing the terminal and the system.

However, before the pharmacy can fill the prescription of any presentedmedia 18, the media must be subjected to a “validation” procedure. The“validation” procedure is basically illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7E.Essentially, this validation procedure establishes that the presentedmedia 18 is authentic, still within an acceptable date range, has beenactivated by a prescriber, and has not previously been validated, or ifpreviously validated, still has valid refills available. Once validationis established for any presented media, then the participating pharmacycan issue the prescriptive pharmaceutical product to the patient.

Details of the validation process will not be dealt with here in greatdetail because pharmaceutical “validation” of media parallels prescriber“activation” of the media just described. That is, “validation” by theparticipating pharmacy entails steps and procedures that are similar infunction and result as the steps and procedures engaged in by theprescriber in activating certain media. But briefly, the validation stepentails the participating pharmacy establishing authorization. This canbe carried out in a variety of ways. However, in the processcontemplated herein, the participating pharmacy would communicativelyconnect its authorization media 20 with the pharmacy terminal and afterestablishing a valid authorization media the participating pharmacywould enter its personal identification code. Thereafter, the terminalprompts the pharmacy to read the presented media 18 into the terminal.As an individual media is read into the pharmacist's terminal, theterminal first checks for complete authenticity of the presented media18. Like with the prescriber, the identification of the media ischecked, the date range of the media is checked and the terminal seeks avalid answer from the check digit/analog code fields. If authenticity isnot established, it follows that the participating pharmacy cannotdispense corresponding pharmaceutical product. However, if authenticityis established then the pharmacies' terminal dials the central computingstation and data and information from the pharmacies' authorizationmedia and personal identification is uploaded to the database of thecentral computing station 12. The central computing station establishesthat the uploaded information is valid and then information from thepharmacies' terminal related to the presented media 18 is uploaded tothe central computing station. Assuming full validation, the centralcomputing station issues a pharmacy approval code and the pharmacyrecords that approval code on the actual presented media 18. Inaddition, both the pharmacy and the patient sign the now validated media18. Once validation is established the pharmacy then dispensespharmaceutical product authorized by that valid media and permanentlystores the validated media. At the same time, the central computingstation 12 records the full validation data within its database byshowing that a particular media 18 has been validated, the date of suchvalidation, and the identity of the pharmacy validating the same.

Obviously, the database associated with the central computing station 12will possess a full record of all transactions of the program includingactivations and validations. Importantly, the recorded transactionsreveal the dispensing activities of each participating pharmacy. Thisserves as a basis for replenishing to the participating pharmacypharmaceutical products dispensed in the present program and for thepayment of dispensing these to the participating pharmacies. Typically,the pharmaceutical to be replenished can be replenished throughwholesalers that serve the participating pharmacies.

A wealth of data can be discerned from the central computing database.For particular pharmaceutical members, data representing the identity ofproduct and the quantity of a particular product prescribed anddispensed over a selected period of time is obviously readily available.More detailed data and records representing the specific activities ofparticular prescribers or pharmacies is also available. In the end, awide variety of reports can be generated from the database. Thesereports can be so extensive and so detailed that the participatingpharmaceutical members can study and evaluate “cause and effect” basedon the recorded data.

In summary, the present method of tracking and managing the dispensingof pharmaceutical products centers around the utilization of a group ofauthorized prescribers and pharmacies and a centralized computingstation that is specifically linked to the participating prescribers andpharmacies. Media capable of being exchanged at a pharmacy forpharmaceutical product are delivered in an unactivated state toparticipating prescribers. After establishing authorization, theprescriber through a remote terminal and the central computing station“activates” certain product media. Once activated, the product media iscapable of being prescribed or exchanged for a pharmaceutical product ata participating pharmacy site. The activated pharmaceutical media 18 isthen delivered to a patient and the patient in turn presents the same toa participating pharmacy. The pharmacy must establish authorization toparticipate in the system and thereafter the presented activated mediais authenticated by the central computing station and is deemed valid.Next, the pharmacy dispenses the pharmaceutical product identified bythat media. Thereafter, an audit and accounting function is performedbased on the database associated with the central computing station.Accordingly, participating pharmacies can be compensated for the actualdispensed pharmaceutical product and for dispensing services performed.

The method and program has been described as being carried out byutilizing magnetic cards and magnetic terminal readers. However, it isappreciated that other media forms and various types of terminals orcommunication methods could be utilized to carry out the basic method oftracking and managing the distribution of pharmaceutical trial products.

The system and method described hereafter relates to the disclosuresfound in the parent applications. In particular, the methods and systemsdisclosed below are designed to help maximize profits, gather andcollect important marketing data and information, and reward consumersand the public in the process. To this end, the manner of activation ofthe media 18, or other conditions or criteria, may determine, in part,the value of the media. Thus, the value of the media 18 may vary. Forthe purposes of this disclosure “the value of the media” can relate toany value and may, for example, be in the form of goods, services,discounts for goods or services, etc. The media 18 can also be utilizedto promote and deliver services. As will be discussed below, when usedin a service context, the value of the services that are delivered viathe media can also vary. Further, where or when the media is redeemedmay determine, in part, the value of the media. Further still, the mediamay provide different values depending on how the media is activated orreactivated. By varying the value of the media 18, different prescribersand pharmacies, in a pharmaceutical context, may be preferentiallytreated in such a manner that it builds loyalty to a particularpharmaceutical company or distribution channel. The present inventionhas been described in the context of pharmaceutical and medicalproducts. However, it should be appreciated that the basic inventiondescribed herein can be utilized to promote and advertise any good orservice. Consequently, the invention can be described in terms of notonly prescribers and pharmacies, but can be described in terms ofproviders of goods, products and services as well as in terms of thoseindividuals and businesses that play a part in the manufacture,distribution, and sale of such products or services. An overview of theprocess is illustrated in FIG. 8.

Initially, the process assigns media units to location, companies,people, groups, or the like (block 500). This may be done by assigningbatches of media to a particular assignee or by assigning a singlemedium to a particular assignee. The media are subsequently activated(block 502). This may be a fixed activation or a variable activation asis explained in greater detail below. The media assumes a value (block504). Financial rules are put in place that govern the use of the media.This may be a fixed value, wherein the media only has one value andassumes this fixed value upon activation as described in the parentapplications and above; or may be a variable value, wherein the mediaassumes different values based on predetermined business rules, selectedcriteria, or other selected circumstances, conditions, or occurrences.For example, the value may be based on a patient's co-payment, activitybased rewards, location, date and time of activation, how the media wasactivated, and/or whether the media is being concurrently used topurchase one or more products. The media are inactivated (block 506)after use or a predetermined time. That is, the value of the mediadiminishes or is purged. Optionally, the media may be reactivated (block508) and assume value again. In the way of an example, the media mayremain activated for a variable time, depending on certain criteria,circumstances, etc. Also, in terms of activation, as will be explainedherein, there are various forms of activation. For example, the systemand method of the present invention can be utilized in a referralprogram where the holder obtains one medium and four referral media. Theone medium is automatically activated when the four referral media areactivated.

Turning now to the details of some of the steps enumerated above, block502 refers to media activation and allows for the possibility of fixedor variable activation. For a medium that has a fixed activationtechnique, a single, predetermined technique or act activates themedium. Exemplary activation techniques comprise time elapsed, useractivity, or geographic location. User activity may be a phone call to acentral database to activate the medium, a web access to activate themedium, filling out a business return card and returning the same to aselected address, taking the medium to a pharmacy, a referral by amedical provider, or the like. A geographic activation technique may betied to a location sensor that determines when the media is within acertain predetermined geographic area and activates the media uponreaching that geographic area. Alternatively, media activation within apredetermined geographical area may be determined through any number ofconventional means. Where the prescribers terminal or pharmacy terminalsare used, they may provide the desired geographical information.Alternatively, block 502 may also comprise a variably activated media,in which a person or persons activating the media, has a choice among atleast two of the activation techniques available with which to activatethe media. Different media may have different pluralities of techniquesavailable with which to activate the media.

The inactivation step (block 506) may be fixed or variable as well. Inthe case of a fixed inactivation, the media has one inactivationoption—for example, the media becomes inactive upon use. For variableinactivation media, the media may be inactivated based on somepredetermined rules such as time elapsed, failure to refill aprescription, failure to respond to a communication, geography, or thelike. If any of these criteria are met, the media may be inactivated.

The reactivation step (block 508) is an optional step wherein there maybe no reactivation options—once the media is used. Alternatively, theremay be a fixed reactivation process. Thus, the media may only reactivateaccording to one predetermined criterion, such as time elapsed, useractivity, geography, or the like. These can be identical to the criteriarecited above with respect to the initial activation criteria. Likewise,there may be a variable reactivation process, wherein the media may bereactivated through one of a plurality of different techniques. Again,the list of techniques is similar to the list that can trigger initialactivation.

To assist in understanding the media activation and reactivationprocesses, FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate broad views of media activation forboth fixed media and variable media respectively.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart of fixed activation media. Specifically,the media starts out inactive and is shipped to a sales representative(rep) (block 525). The rep gives the media to approved medical personnelsuch as a doctor (block 526). The media is assigned to the doctor via anassignment card (block 528). The doctor distributes the media (block530) to one or more patients, who may only exercise a singlepredetermined activation method in order to activate the medium (block532). The media remains active until use at a particular pharmacy (block534). After use, the media goes inactive (block 536). In this manner,certain doctors and pharmacies are rewarded for their participation inthe program. Likewise, favorable distribution arrangements and the likemay also be made if needed or desired.

FIG. 10 illustrates a flow chart of variable activation media.Specifically, the media starts out inactive and is shipped to a rep(block 525). The rep gives the media to approved medical personnel suchas a doctor (block 526). The media is assigned to the doctor via anassignment card (block 528). The media are given to a patient by thedoctor (block 530). The patient is told that they have multipleactivation transaction options, and that the media will assume differentvalues depending on how the media is activated (block 540). In somecases, the various activation options will be set forth on the mediaitself. The media remains active until used by the patient (block 542).After use, the media goes inactive (block 536). FIGS. 9 and 10illustrate the media 18 being distributed to doctors or prescribers andultimately redeemed through pharmacies. Those people skilled in the artwill appreciate that pharmaceutical goods are simply one type of goodsthat can be promoted or delivered through the method and system of thepresent invention.

Referring now to FIG. 14, one exemplary embodiment of the inventionfurther illustrates the media activation process. In this embodiment,provisioning the central database with data (block 600) identifies themedia and initializes the media to an inactive state. Provisioning thecentral database information may include, among other provisions, thefollowing:

-   -   a) assigning a unique ID to each medium of the media;    -   b) associating goods or services with each medium;    -   c) linking the unique ID of each medium with one or more goods        or services associated with the medium; and    -   d) initializing the medium to assume the inactive state.        Once the central database has been provisioned, the media is        then distributed (block 602) to the end users. In past examples,        a pharmaceutical context illustrated representatives        distributing the media to a number of doctors who, in turn,        distributed them to patients. Those skilled in the art will        readily appreciate, however, that end users, sometimes referred        to as individuals or holders, are anyone presenting the media to        a provider for any goods or services.

Media activation (block 604) usually occurs prior to the redemption forgoods and services. In some cases, the media can only be activated by asingle method. In other cases, variable activation methods may beavailable, such as the via the World Wide Web, calling a toll-free 8xxnumber, responding with a business reply card, or communicating with thecentral database through a terminal, such as a magnetic card reader. Thebenefit of the variable activation is that the end user, or whoeveractivates the media, may choose to exercise any number of activationmethods.

Upon the reception of an activation request, the central databaseupdates the media status to active (block 604). It should be noted that,prior to complying with the activation request, the central database mayexecute an internal process designed to authenticate and approve themedia for activation. This internal process may check the data receivedwith respect to the activation request against the data alreadyprovisioned in the central database, including such information as themedium identification, the current medium status, and the location ofmedium activation. Thus, invalid activation requests are not honoredand, optionally, alarms may be configured to alert specific operators tothe existence of possible fraudulent activity. Valid requests, however,are honored and result in the activation of the medium. Once activated,the medium is ready for presentment, usually to a provider forredemption of goods or services (block 606).

The provider, upon presentment of the medium, communicates the dataassociated with the developing transaction (block 608) to the centraldatabase. This communication supplies the central database processeswith the parameters required for validation purposes, which may closelyparallel the validation performed during the activation stage. Forinstance, the media status currently recorded in the central database ischecked (block 610). Therefore, proposed transactions using inactivemedia result in a denial of the transaction, while those transactionsusing active media are approved, thus authorizing the provider todeliver the goods or services (block 612) to the end user. The providerthen communicates the completion of the transaction to the centraldatabase (block 614), causing the central database to record the natureof the transaction. As discussed herein, all goods or services may notbe redeemed at once, thereby defining a residual value attached to themedium. In most cases, where a residual value exists, the centraldatabase will determine that the medium should remain active (block616), facilitating subsequent presentment to a provider for theredemption of additional goods or services (block 606). Those media withno residual value are inactivated (block 618), of course, by the centraldatabase and the process ends (block 620).

FIG. 11 illustrates a flow chart of fixed value media. Specifically, themedia starts out inactive and is shipped to a rep (block 525). The repgives the media to approved medical personnel such as a doctor (block526). The media are assigned to the doctor via an assignment card (block528). Assignment data should be communicated to the central databasewhere the assignment is recorded. In particular, the recordation of anassignment essentially links the media with a prescriber in this case.Various means can be employed to communicate the assignment data andinformation to the database. For example, a magnetic card reader can beprovided at the prescriber's office and communicatively connected to thedatabase. Once the assignment function has been completed, the medium isgiven to one or more patients by the doctor (block 530). The patientactivates the media via any of the approved techniques such as via theweb, dialing an 8xx number, responding with a business reply card or thelike (block 544). Regardless of how it is activated, the media has afixed value. The media remains active until use at a pharmacy (block534) and then goes inactive (block 536).

FIG. 12 illustrates a flow chart for variable value media. Specifically,the media starts out inactive and is shipped to a rep (block 525). Therep gives the media to approved medical personnel such as a doctor(block 526). The media are assigned to the doctor via an assignment card(block 528). The media is given to a patient by the doctor (block 530).The patient activates the media via any of the approved techniques suchas via the web, dialing an 8xx number, responding with a business replycard, or the like (block 544). The media takes on a different valuebased the predetermined business rules (block 546). For example, ifactivated through the business reply card, one sample may be given tothe patient; if activated through an 8xx number, two samples may begiven to the patient; and if activated through the web, three samplesmay be given to the patient. The media remains active until use at apharmacy (block 534) where the patient is provided with a number ofsamples according to the value assigned at activation, and then goesinactive (block 536).

FIGS. 15A-15C also illustrates the variable value media in more detail.Prior to media activation, value units are provisioned in the centraldatabase in accordance with a set of pre-determined business rules(block 650). In this example, a variable number of value units areassigned to the media according to the method of activation and thegeographic location of the providers. Optionally, a default number ofvalue units may be assigned should the central database fail todetermine the activation method. As discussed herein, the value of themedia provisioned can depend on various circumstances, conditions,criteria, business rules, or some other set of pre-determined rules.Those depicted in FIGS. 15A-15C, and discussed below, are merelyexemplary.

Once the rules are provisioned, an activation request is received at thecentral database (block 652). First, the logic at the central databasewould ensure that the requested media is not already active (block 654)before exercising various checks to make sure the media is still valid(block 656). If the media is already “active,” or if the media isinvalid, the process ends (block 658) without assigning any value units.Optionally, failures at blocks 654 and/or 656 may warrant alarmgeneration to alert an operator of possible fraud.

Provided the media is inactive and valid, the central database willdetermine the method of activation and assign value units accordingly.For instance, if activation was requested via an 8xx number (block 660)then N1 units are assigned (block 662). Otherwise, the process thenchecks to see if the activation was requested via the World Wide Web(block 664) and, if so, will assign N2 units (block 666). N3 units areassigned (block 670) if activation was requested via a magneticcard-reader (block 668) and N4 units (block 674) for activation viabusiness reply mail (block 672). Of course, a default number of units,Nd, may be assigned (block 676) if the central database cannot determinehow the media activation was requested. It should be noted that since,in this example, activation methods are mutually exclusive, theassignment of value units based on activation methods is also mutuallyexclusive. Thus, upon successful determination of the activation method,the value units are assigned accordingly and the remaining tests foractivation method, if any, are bypassed. For instance, if the activationmethod was determined to have occurred via an 8xx number (block 660), N1units would be assigned (block 662) to the media and execution wouldfall through to the tests for activation within geographic zones (block678).

In this embodiment, variable value units according to geographic zonesare assigned in addition to those assigned according to activationmethod. Additionally, assignment of the value units based on geographiclocation of activation need not be mutually exclusive, as are theactivation methods. This is because zones may overlap, thereby creatingthe possibility of assigning value units for more than a single zone. Ofcourse, these assignment behaviors are determined by the set of rulesprovisioned prior to activation requests (block 650). Thus, should theactivation take place within zone one (block 678), N5 units are assigned(block 680) before checking for activation within zone two (block 682),for which N6 units are assigned (block 684). As can be seen in FIG. 15C,activation may occur in a zone that is not recognized, for instance,zone three. In this case, no value units based on geographic zone areawarded to the media. Once the value units are assigned, the media isactivated by updating the media status to active in the central database(block 686).

Eventually, presentment of the media for goods or services (block 688)occurs. The provider communicates data associated with a proposedtransaction (block 690) to the central database, which then uses thedatabase to determine the status of the media (block 692). The processends (block 706) for inactive media while active media is tested for apositive balance (block 694), and the validity of the media in general(block 696). Should the media be found to possess an inadequate balance(block 694), or be otherwise invalid (block 696), the transaction isdenied by the central database, and the media status is updated toinactive (block 698) before the process ends (block 706). In contrast,should these checks succeed (blocks 692, 694, and 696), the providerdelivers the goods or services (block 700) and then signals the centraldatabase that the transaction is complete (block 702). At this point,the central database will update the media's residual value (block 704),if any. As in alternate embodiments, a residual value facilitatessubsequent presentments (block 688), while an inadequate residualbalance results in media inactivation (block 698) before ending theprocess (block 706). Those skilled in the art will realize that thevalidity checks discussed herein are merely exemplary. The checks neednot be executed in the order described, nor is the central databaserequired to solely perform the checks. It is envisioned that at leastsome of the validity checks may be performed at the terminal where themedia are activated.

FIG. 13 illustrates a flow chart of fixed reactivated media.Specifically, the media starts out inactive and is shipped to a rep(block 525). The rep gives the media to an approved medical personnelsuch as a doctor (block 526). The media are assigned to the doctor viaan assignment card (block 528). The media is given to a patient by thedoctor (block 530). The patient activates the media via any of theapproved techniques such as via the web, dialing an 800 number, replyingwith a business reply card, or the like (block 544). The media remainsactive until use at a pharmacy (block 534) and then goes inactive uponuse for a designated time (block 550). The media returns to activestatus after a predetermined amount of time (block 552). The cycle mayrepeat as needed. It should be noted that other criteria besides timemay be used to trigger a reactivation.

In many instances, the central database is provisioned such that themedia transitions from an inactive state to an active state, and then,after an initial presentment, returns to the inactive state. Otherinstances exist, however, wherein the central database is provisionedsuch that some media can be reactivated after the“inactive/active/inactive” cycle. This is illustrated in FIG. 16.

The reactivation process begins (block 642) at some point after themedia assumes an inactive status (block 640). Reactivation can occurmanually by any one of the aforementioned methods used in originallyactivating the media, or it can occur automatically, for instance, inresponse to the expiration of a timer. In this embodiment, automaticreactivation occurs when a timer, initiated at the central database inblock 636, expires.

The central database, having started the timer, is notified when thetimer has expired (block 642) via some mechanism designed to awaken a“sleeping” process commonly known to the art. Invalid requests, orrequests received erroneously, result in the media remaining inactive(block 646). Provided the reactivation request is a valid request,however, the central database ensures that the media reactivation isauthorized (block 644). Unauthorized media remains inactive (block 646)while authorized media is reactivated by updating the status in thecentral database to active (block 626). Manual reactivation is alsopossible and follows the same path as the automatic variable activation.The only difference is that the media will remain inactive until the enduser manually activates the media via one of the approved aforementionedactivation methods.

Further, inactive media may be reactivated upon presentment. Forinstance, if an end user presented an inactive media to a provider, thecentral database, upon reception of the transaction data (block 630),would determine that the media was inactive (block 632). In lieu ofdenying the proposed transaction, the central database may decide totreat this as a reactivation request (block 642). Provided the media isauthorized (block 644), the media is then reactivated (block 626) andthe transaction is allowed to proceed.

While the parent applications notes that the media 18 in one embodimentwould be a magnetically readablecard, other media are possible. Forexample, web based media 18 are specifically contemplated. In oneexample, the media 18 is a bar code or the like that is printed from aweb page, much like an e-stamp, and then used with bar code readers toverify authenticity.

As noted above, the system and method of the present invention has thecapability to be used in connection with the delivery and tracking ofpharmaceutical and medical trial products. As discussed herein above,the media can be distributed to doctors or medical prescribers,sometimes referred to herein as “assignees.” The assignees or doctors ormedical prescribers will then transfer or pass out the media topatients. In the case of prescription drugs, and where the media callsfor or identifies a sample prescription drug, the doctor or medicalprescriber will, in one embodiment of the invention, deliver aprescription along with the media to the patient. The patient willthereafter present the media and the prescription to the pharmacy whowill fill the prescription and provide the patient or the holder of themedia with the corresponding value set by the media. It is important toappreciate that while the present invention is useful in a program fordispensing and tracking pharmaceutical samples, the invention can alsobe used to deliver and track other goods and services. It iscontemplated that information and data pertaining to the product orservices identified by the media as well as information and datarelating to the assignees, holders and providers will be received,compiled and recorded in a central database. This will, of course,provide valuable information to manufacturers, distributors, retailersand providers of such products and services.

In creating, storing and accessing data relating to transactionssurrounding the media, it is contemplated that each media will includeits own unique identifier that identifies the product or service thatcan be redeemed or received by the selective presentment of the media.Further, either directly or indirectly, each media will identify thegoods or services that may be redeemed by the media. This can beprovided for directly by a code or other description. In some cases, theunique identifier that identifies the media will effectively identifythe product or services redeemable by the media. In that regard, in oneembodiment, data or information in the central database will effectivelylink or tie each media to a particular product or service. Further, themedia may be provided with various advertising and/or instructionindicia or text.

As discussed above, in one embodiment of the present invention, themedia is assigned to a person or other entity such as a doctor ormedical prescriber, or in some cases the assignee may simply be anadvertising entity, a distributor, a retailer or the like. To effectuateassignment, there may be provided assignment cards that are uniquelyidentified with and coupled with one or more media. Thus, in oneemployment of the present invention, once a single medium or a batch ofmedia is delivered to an assignee, other person, or entity, theassignment card is utilized to transfer or direct information and datato the central database that connects or associates the media or a groupof media with a particular assignee. It is appreciated thatmachine-readable assignment media, such as a magnetic coded card, can beutilized as an assignment card. However, in other embodiments, theassignment can simply be effectuated by a telephone call from a personor individual associated with the distribution of the media or theassignee. In one embodiment of the invention, the assignment functionsimply acts to connect or link one or more media with an assignee orother individual or entity that will distribute the media. In somecases, there need not be an assignment function.

As noted above, initially, the media is issued in an inactive state.Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention, the media must beactivated prior to use. Eventually, individuals or other entities willcome into possession of the media. These individuals are sometimesreferred to as holders. In order to activate the media, the holder ofthe media is requested to communicate certain information to a sourceand that information is ultimately transferred to the central database.As discussed above, activation can take place in many ways. It can takeplace by the holder calling a certain phone number such as an 800number, logging onto a particular site on a global network, respondingwith a business reply card, etc. Other forms of activation may beincorporated. For example, activation may occur through a machinereadable device that is linked to the central database. In any event,one purpose of the activation is to connect or associate the holder withthe media. Therefore, at this stage, the central database, afteractivation, knows the identity of the assignee, the goods or servicesassociated with the media that are connected with the assignee, and theidentity of certain holders of the media identified in the centraldatabase. In addition, the activation step can result in individualholders communicating valuable marketing information and data to thecontrol database or to a source and ultimately to the central database.

Once the holder presents the media to a provider or pharmacy, forexample, the provider may verify the authenticity of the media as wellas whether the media has been activated. In many cases, the system andmethod will be established such that a provider such as a pharmacy willas a matter of course communicate with the central database to verifyany number of parameters or conditions such as authenticity and thestate of activation. This information will ultimately be recorded in thecentral database. Thus, when the provider dispenses a product or in thecase of a service, performs a service, information will be communicatedto the central database that will link the particular good or servicedelivered with the holder as well as other information pertaining to themedia.

Underlying the present invention is the acknowledgment thatunderstanding an individual consumer is an important marketing advantageto manufacturers, distributors and providers of products and services.By collecting data and information from individuals, this data andinformation enlightens manufacturers and retailers as well as serviceproviders as to “cause and effect” and in the end provides informationas to what motivates an individual consumer to purchase one product orservice as opposed to purchasing another product or services. By usingthe data and information gathered and compiled according to the presentinvention, producers and marketers of goods and services are able toplan and implement advertising programs that are more focused and moredirected to the consumers that matter.

The present invention has a wide area of applicability. For example, thepresent invention can be useful in dispensing, tracking and generallymanaging any type of sample or trial product program such as apharmaceutical sample program. Further, the method and system of thepresent invention can be used in product loyalty programs, co-payprograms where a third party, such as a pharmaceutical company,participates to make a prescription co-payment for the consumer, patientassistance programs that are sponsored by pharmaceutical companies, andin general is applicable to promoting and advertising goods and servicesof all types. In the preceding disclosure, a number of examples havebeen presented wherein the good or product being delivered via themedium is a prescription drug or pharmaceutical product. It should beunderstood, however, that the present invention can be utilized topromote or deliver any good or service.

The present invention may, of course, be carried out in other specificways than those herein set forth without departing from the scope andthe essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodimentsare therefore to be construed in all aspects as illustrative and notrestrictive and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalencyrange of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.

1. A method for promoting and distributing a prescription pharmaceuticalproduct with a variable value medium comprising: associating theprescription pharmaceutical product with the variable value medium;activating the medium from an inactive status to an active status,wherein while the medium is in the inactive status, the medium is notusable in connection with the purchase of the prescriptionpharmaceutical product associated with the medium; identifying themedium with an identifier and recording the identifier in a databasesuch that the identifier is associated with the pharmaceutical product;assigning value to the variable value medium based on selectedconditions and recording the value in the database; receiving a requestfrom a provider of the prescription pharmaceutical product forauthorization to deliver the prescription pharmaceutical product to theholder of the activated medium; and sending authorization to theprovider of the prescription pharmaceutical product to deliver theprescription pharmaceutical product to the holder of the activatedmedium and to apply the assigned value of the medium to a purchase priceof the prescription pharmaceutical product.
 2. The method of claim 1wherein the selected conditions include the manner in which the requestfor activation is received.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein the requestfor activation may be received through a telephone, an internet network,or a magnetic card reader.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the selectedconditions for assigning value to the variable value medium include alocation or an identity of the provider.
 5. The method of claim 1wherein the selected conditions for assigning value to the variablevalue medium include an identity of the holder.
 6. The method of claim 1further comprising receiving a request from the provider forconfirmation that the medium has an active status.
 7. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising receiving confirmation from the provider thatthe prescription pharmaceutical product was delivered to the holder andupdating the database to reflect that the medium was presented to theprovider and that the prescription pharmaceutical product was deliveredto the holder.
 8. The method of claim 1 further comprising deactivatingthe medium by changing the status of the medium from the active statusto the inactive status.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein deactivatingthe medium further comprises deactivating the medium after apredetermined period of time.
 10. The method of claim 8 furthercomprising reactivating the medium after the medium has beendeactivated.
 11. A method for distributing a prescription pharmaceuticalproduct utilizing media where each medium of the media has associatedtherewith the prescription pharmaceutical product and a uniqueidentifier that identifies the prescription pharmaceutical productassociated with the medium and where the medium includes a variablevalue that varies according to predetermined criteria and wherein themedium is distributed to a holder who presents the medium to a providerof the prescription pharmaceutical product for the purpose of obtainingthe prescription pharmaceutical product associated with the medium, themethod including: for each medium, recording the unique identifier in adatabase such that the unique identifier identifies the medium and theprescription pharmaceutical product associated with the medium;provisioning the database with criteria that establish differentpotential values for the medium; in response to the holder presentingthe medium to the provider for the purpose of obtaining the prescriptionpharmaceutical product associated with the medium, receiving acommunication from the provider communicating the unique identifierassociated with the medium; and wherein, based on the identifier of themedium and the variable value criteria provisioned in the database, thevalue of the medium is determined and communicated to the providerwhereupon the holder utilizes the determined value to purchase theprescription pharmaceutical product associated with the medium.
 12. Themethod of claim 11 wherein each medium initially assumes an inactivestate and is unusable for purchasing the prescription pharmaceuticalproduct associated with the medium, and wherein at least one medium isactivated and assumes an active state and wherein in the active statethe medium is usable for purchasing the prescription pharmaceuticalproduct associated with the medium.
 13. The method of claim 12 includingrecording in the database whether each medium of the media is active orinactive.
 14. The method of claim 11 wherein before recording the uniqueidentifier of each medium in the database, assigning the uniqueidentifier to each medium and associating the unique identifier of eachmedium with at least one prescription pharmaceutical product.
 15. Themethod of claim 11 further including assigning an inactive status to themedia such that while assuming the inactive status the prescriptionpharmaceutical product associated with the media may not be redeemed orpartly redeemed with the medium; recording the inactive status in thedatabase; and activating at least some of the media by changing thestatus of the media from an inactive state to an active state andrecording the change of the status in the database.
 16. The method ofclaim 11 further comprising sending authorization to the provider of theprescription pharmaceutical product to deliver the prescriptionpharmaceutical product to the holder of the medium and to apply thedetermined value of the medium to a purchase price of the prescriptionpharmaceutical product.
 17. The method of claim 11 further comprising:before recording the unique identifier of each medium in the database,assigning the unique identifier to each medium and associating theunique identifier of each medium with at least one prescriptionpharmaceutical product; wherein each medium initially assumes aninactive state and is unusable for purchasing the prescriptionpharmaceutical product associated with the medium; and wherein at leastone medium is activated to assume an active state and is usable forpurchasing the prescription pharmaceutical product associated with themedium; and
 18. The method of claim 17 further comprising sendingauthorization to the provider of the prescription pharmaceutical productto deliver the prescription pharmaceutical product to the holder of themedium and to apply the determined value of the medium to a purchaseprice of the prescription pharmaceutical product.
 19. A method forpromoting and distributing a prescription pharmaceutical product with avariable value medium comprising: identifying the variable value mediumwith an identifier and recording the identifier in a database andassociating the identifier with the prescription pharmaceutical productin the database; provisioning the database with criteria thatestablishes different potential values for the variable value medium;activating the medium by recording an active status of the medium in thedatabase; assigning value to the variable value medium based on thecriteria and recording the value in the database; receiving a requestfrom a provider of the prescription pharmaceutical product forauthorization to deliver the prescription pharmaceutical product to theholder of the activated medium; and sending authorization to theprovider of the prescription pharmaceutical product to deliver theprescription pharmaceutical product to the holder of the activatedmedium and to apply the assigned value of the medium to a purchase priceof the prescription pharmaceutical product.
 20. The method of claim 19further comprising receiving confirmation from the provider that theprescription pharmaceutical product was delivered to the holder andupdating the database to reflect that the medium was presented to theprovider and that the prescription pharmaceutical product was deliveredto the holder.
 21. The method of claim 19 wherein the medium initiallyassumes an inactive state and is unusable for purchasing theprescription pharmaceutical product associated with the medium.
 22. Themethod of claim 19 further comprising receiving a request from theprovider of the prescription pharmaceutical product for authorization todeliver the prescription pharmaceutical product to the holder of themedium and to apply the determined value to the purchase price of theprescription pharmaceutical product.
 23. The method of claim 19 furthercomprising: issuing the media; and initially assigning an inactivestatus to the media, and recording the inactive status of the media inthe database.
 24. The method of claim 11 wherein the variable value ofthe medium is based in part at least on the holder's copayment for theprescription pharmaceutical product associated with the medium.
 25. Themethod of claim 11 including varying the value of the medium such thatthe medium has different values based on the holder's copayment for theprescription pharmaceutical product associated with the medium.
 26. Themethod of claim 25 wherein the method of distributing the prescriptionpharmaceutical product is a part of a program where a pharmaceuticalentity pays for at least a portion of the determined value of themedium.
 27. The method of claim 1 wherein assigning value to thevariable value medium includes assigning a value to the medium that isbased on the holder's copayment for the prescription pharmaceuticalproduct associated with the medium such that the value of the mediumvaries as the holder's copayment for the prescription pharmaceuticalproduct associated with the medium varies.
 28. The method of claim 19wherein assigning value to the variable value medium includes assigninga value to the medium that is based on the holder's copayment for theprescription pharmaceutical product associated with the medium such thatthe value of the medium varies as the holder's copayment for theprescription pharmaceutical product associated with the medium varies.